Sharing the gift of baptism makes all Christians friends, pope says May 22, 2024By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, News, Vatican, World News VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians have the same baptism and that makes them friends, Pope Francis told members of an ecumenical organization from Hong Kong. “Thank you very much for this visit which is a real consolation: to see all brothers and sisters united, Christian brothers and sisters united,” he said in his greeting during an audience May 22 with a delegation from the Hong Kong Christian Council, which was celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The ecumenical organization brings Christians of all backgrounds together for prayer, worship, ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, teaching and service. On the journey toward authentic Christian unity, the pope said it is very important “to work together, because we all believe in Jesus Christ; and to pray together, to pray for unity.” The other important thing, he said, is “we have the same baptism and that makes us Christians. As for enemies, we have plenty out there. We are friends!” “It is true what the Lord told us: the church will always be persecuted. The martyrdom of the faith is always there throughout the history of our churches,” he said. This “baptism of blood,” through martyrdom, also unites Christians, he said. Whether they are Catholic, Anglican or Coptic martyrs, they are martyrs, and “they are everybody’s martyrs.” “We all know what martyrdom is for so many Christians who have given their lives for the faith,” he said. Thanking members of the group for their visit, the pope invited them to recite the Lord’s Prayer together. Read More Vatican News Catholic group helps parishes to share a table with the poor, following pope’s example After Vatican’s excommunication, SSPX in Kenya insists on Catholic identity, fighting archdiocese Pilgrims flock to Castel Gandolfo for Pope Leo’s first summer Angelus Pope Leo shares meal with vulnerable guests at Castel Gandolfo How a baseball rosary found its way to Pope Leo XIV Our Lady of Gietrzwald mosaic unveiled in Vatican Gardens ahead of 2027 Jubilee Copyright © 2024 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
